Controlling on-farm inventories of bulk-tank raw milk - An opportunity to protect public health

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point programs provide a systematic approa ch for the reduction of food safety problems through preventive measures. O n-farm programs similar to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, which ta rget pathogen reduction and screening can provide assurance to processors a nd consumers that on-farm food safety is a high priority. Additional volunt ary oversight of farm practices, including monitoring of and controlled acc ess to raw milk supplies on the farm could further contribute to public foo d safety. Off-farm sales of raw milk directly to the public have resulted i n foodborne outbreaks of multidrug resistant salmonellosis in California an d Washington when raw milk was used for unlicensed cheese production. If da iry producers in those cases had voluntary programs in place to inventory, monitor, and control access to raw milk supplies, the outbreaks probably co uld have been prevented.